receptor

re·cep·tor

(rĭ-sĕp′tər)

n.

1. Physiology A specialized cell or group of nerve endings that responds to sensory stimuli.

2. Biochemistry A molecular structure or site on the surface or interior of a cell that binds with substances such as hormones, antigens, or neurotransmitters or is activated by events such as a change in the concentration of an ion.

receptor

re•cep•tor

1. a protein molecule, usu. on the surface of a cell, that is capable of binding to a complementary molecule, as a hormone, antibody, or antigen.

2. a sensory nerve ending or sense organ that is sensitive to stimuli.

[1900–05]

re·cep·tor

(rĭ-sĕp′tər)

1. A nerve ending specialized to sense or receive stimuli. Skin receptors respond to stimuli such as touch and pressure and signal the brain by activating portions of the nervous system. Receptors in the nose detect odors.

2. A cell structure or site that is capable of combining with a hormone, antigen, or other chemical substance.

alpha receptor, alpha-adrenergic receptor, alpha-adrenoceptor - receptors postulated to exist on nerve cell membranes of the sympathetic nervous system in order to explain the specificity of certain agents that affect only some sympathetic activities (such as vasoconstriction and relaxation of intestinal muscles and contraction of smooth muscles)

beta receptor, beta-adrenergic receptor, beta-adrenoceptor - receptors postulated to exist on nerve cell membranes of the sympathetic nervous system in order to explain the specificity of certain agents that affect only some sympathetic activities (such as vasodilation and increased heart beat)

2.

receptor - an organ having nerve endings (in the skin or viscera or eye or ear or nose or mouth) that respond to stimulation

The anti-inflammatory mechanisms associated with the control of the immune response, elicited to maintain homeostasis, involve the release of anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-4, IL-10, IL-13), the decrease expression of cytokine receptors, and the release of soluble cytokine receptors or receptors antagonists (36).

All content on this website, including dictionary, thesaurus, literature, geography, and other reference data is for informational purposes only. This information should not be considered complete, up to date, and is not intended to be used in place of a visit, consultation, or advice of a legal, medical, or any other professional.